Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I was sitting here this morning after a long day at Wild Wing Cafe in Charlotte last night watching the Panthers prove why it will be a long season in the Carolinas for us NFL fans when I realized I needed inspiration. So I asked myself, what would inspire the Syracuse football team? Here is what I found.

First, Arthur Jones inspirational piece. This was taped in Syracuse so you have to wonder if he was in attendance as well when it was filmed. This one is for you Arthur:

Next up, Delone Carter, or as his friend like to refer to him DC3. And this is in reference to his running ability and his arm size, nothing else you filthy minded gutter rats you:

#SHAMARKO who I believe could take a licking and keep on ticking:

Ryan Lichtenstein says if this guy can do it, he can too:

Mike Williams, this song goes out to you not just because I hear you are a ladies man but because you be burning the secondaries so somebody call 911:

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Thursday, September 24, 2009

First up, a link to the Tullys website and while we are on the Syracuse topic (since Tullys is the best sports bar in the Cuse), here are some other great related Syracuse items like some good articles:

No, I am not trying to become the David Letterman of Syracuse/sports bloggers but in light of yesterdays list and a conversation between some of us Orange fans on Twitter, I had another fun way to use it. For those not familiar with Twitter, when you want something to trend easier, you encourage others to hashtag a keyword and if enough people use it, it will trend on everyone's page. So though I am sure we will stick with #BeatMaine to keep the streak going with the current team Syracuse is facing, here is my top 10 list of other Syracuse football related hastags.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I have heard the banter about why anyone should go see the Syracuse football team play Maine and I have to say, I am shocked at how little people care about this game. So in light of all that, I bring to you my top 10 reasons if you are in Syracuse or nearby, you should go to the Carrier Dome for the game this Saturday.

10. The game is at 7pm on a Saturday night, what else could you possibly be doing in Syracuse at that time that can't wait until after the game (with the only exceptions being to watch the game at Tully's or you could not get off of work)? I lived in the area for many years so trust me, nothing else of value is going on except the game.

9. Maine likely won't sell out so you have a better chance to get better seats for your money then the rest of the games this season.

8. Show your Orange pride and you can do it for as little at $15 a seat (maybe less if you ask around and buy someone's season ticket they can't use). They are playing better and deserve the support of the fans and the community.

7. To redeem yourself by wearing Orange if you attended previous games wearing other colors.

6. No fear of our basketball and football teams fighting each other like at other universities.

5. Since it is a 7pm game which means all day tailgating and trust me, there will be some good food and drinks in the vicinity

4. And if that wasn't enough partying and you do not have post game plans, you could always ask around for the best party and hopefully enjoy a Syracuse victory with other intoxicated Orange fans.

3. It's better then watching Rutgers football.

2. Greg Paulus,Ryan Lichtenstein,Mike Williams, Delone Carter, Shamarko Thomas, Arthur Jones, Max Suter, and the rest of this team which is building faith in Orange football once again. Not to mention some of those names will graduate this year so your chances to watch them play are diminishing every week.

1. You have the chance to hang with or at least get your picture taken with the one and only Kenny Haas, who will be at the game this Saturday night (well I am sure he would if you asked). And as Brent Axe stated on his Twitter page (@AxemanBlog), if Kenny has to pay for a beer at all that night, it is a Syracuse fan fail because he is a local celebrity and we need to take care of those.

In this day and age of modern technology and social networking, many of us find ourselves following not just family and friends but also people with a celebrity status on some level. Whether it is the stars of the movie The Hangover or Gossip Girls (not that I would follow them), we find ourselves wanting to know more about these people we enjoy watching. Between Myspace, Facebook and Twitter alone, many people are on there to reach out to their fans. So in light of this fact, if you could get one Syracuse Orange player to follow, who would you choose?

I don't have Myspace anymore and rarely use Facebook but I do know some coaches and former players are on Twitter like Curtis "Boonah" Brinkley. I thought Delone Carter (DC3) was on Twitter but apparently I was wrong. Coach Marrone started an account and used it for a bit but then defer to the Syracuse athletics department to handle it. I think Nico Scott is on there but after my experiences with DC3, I am unsure if it is truly him or not (though I do have him listed on the follow list to the left of my main page under players on Twitter).

So let's just say the athletic department polled the fans and asked you, what player on this team would you want to follow? Would you want to live vicariously through Greg Paulus and see how life is with all his expectations and attention? Would you want DC3 to actually be on Twitter this time and tell you about his workout routine or how to make your own running lanes when the line won't give you much? Maybe you would choose Shamarko Thomas to tell you how it feels to be a freshman on campus who can deliver hits that will make a receiver think twice about catching a ball? How about following walk on sensation Ryan Lichtenstein to see how it feels to go from obscurity to the big man on campus after a clutch game winning field goal? Or last but not least, wouldn't it be fun to see Facebook updates and the friends Mike Williams would have in his return to Syracuse and the ladies who love him?

My choice would probably be Lichtenstein because I can't even imagine how much his life has changed in the past few weeks. The girls on campus actually know his name now. The local restaurants recognize him and take a little something off the bill(Tully's, you better take good care of him if he shows up). He went from sitting in the dorm studying or having to talk his way into parties to having an entourage escort him to the best parties on and off campus. Well that and the fact that he played in Monroeville, PA, a town I am very familiar with having lived right down the street for a few years and have a strong affection because of my great experiences there. Not to mention, as a kicker, he has extra time on the sideline to sneak his blackberry down there and maybe Tweet during the games.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Yes I am getting better at posting videos and less as dependable for writing (though I hope to change that in the near future) but these videos I enjoyed because it not only showed Lichtenstein in his first big time appearance but I loved Greg Paulus's tie and unless Tully's has their own line of ties, this is what I want for Christmas.

Yes, you read that correctly, Syracuse wins it's first game of the season, defeating Northwestern 37-34 with a winning 41 yard field goal as time ran out. Ryan Lichtenstein will now be a legend on campus, at least for this week, and people may name their children after him as well (either him,Shamarko,or Mike Williams who also had great games yesterday). So let the video clips show the joy that is victory in Orange Nation. And though I considered it, I did not do my best Frank The Tank impression and handled it delicately, unless you consider some of my Tweets which are only words, right?

I ask you to find me a closer view of the field goal then this beauty, though if you suffer from motion sickness or still sobering up, may not be the best view for you at this moment.

If you want to see Northwestern's comeback and the only real clips of Syracuse being the game winning field goal (even though Mike Williams had a record night and they made some other great plays in the game), then this video is for you.

Monday, September 14, 2009

If you read the previous post, you will see I was in town for my cousin's wedding. I also earlier last week asked for feedback on my using the Syracuse Orange in a poem for a wedding. Well, it turns out they enjoyed it and I am happy to share it with you and show how much Syracuse spirit we had (even though many did not even notice it because it was read and not printed out).And in case you miss it, just follow the orange letters straight down and yes, this was read at the wedding this past Saturday.

The Tale Of The Bride And Groomby Orange ChuckGreat people meet every day and fall in loveObviously blessed from the good Lord aboveSo the bride and groom's love is no surpriseYoung people happily seeing eye to eyeRealizing their goals and fulfilling their dreamsAware that it will be better together as a teamCelebrating their nuptials for the world to seeUnited today in front of their family and friendsSome days may be great, some nights toughEach just proves what your love is made ofOpen-mindedness will help you out sometimesRemember a couple more things and you'll be fineAlways leave the toilet seat down when doneNever ignore your partner and think as oneGood luck to you both, may you be blessedEvery day filled with faith, love, and happiness

So as you can see (or those who follow my Twitter know), I was in the Syracuse area this past weekend for my cousins wedding and of course, I had to stop off at Tully's (Tully's Good Times ). The original plan was to go for lunch on Friday until I realized the wedding did not start until 6:30pm so plans were changed and my cousins, uncle, nephew and myself went to Tully's for the Syracuse football game. Despite the score and a couple Penn State fans in attendance, a good time was had by all. So here is why you too should attend a Tully's for your game time experience.

First, the free popcorn at each table as you sit down. No crappy chips or rolls, Tully goes big time and rolls out the great popcorn which you probably will end up needing a refill once you taste it. It can be used as a free appetizer if you are on a budget like I was this past weekend and you will be surprised how full you will get. And do you see those big drinks cups in the background (we had free beer waiting for us for later at the wedding so we drank cheaper stuff for lunch)? Those are not cheap but they are big and come with free refills. We sat there until deep into the 4th quarter (we had the groom with us so we had to leave early) and they refilled without putting any limits on it.

They have a great variety on the menu at Tully's from the wings to the delicious cheese steak sandwich. However, the most popular and delicious plate on their menu is the Tully's Tenders Dinner. This is a great plate that will fill you up if the popcorn didn't already. And if you have a health nut in the bunch but do not want to be left out, have them order the Tully's Tender Salad (which judging by that gut you see up top, is what I may be ordering in the future, have another wedding July 31st, 2010).

And if your wife is stressing that you can watch the game but at home because stuff needs to be done around there or you have to listen while at work, you can always order take out and feel like you are there (though minus the many TVs that show the game for all of Tully's to see no matter what direction your booth/chair is facing).

So if your in Syracuse, or one of the other fine locations that has a Tully's (which you can verify by checking here Tully's Good Times), I highly recommend you check them out, especially on game day. Tully's is a great Syracuse tradition so we must all do our part to ensure it remains that way and not retired like other great traditions have been lately. Go Tully's Tenders and Go Orange!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Any of you on Twitter should know that there is a movement to get the hash tag #beatpennstate going to help trend some optimism for the game this weekend. Well, in memory of the last game, how about a video that was aired on ESPN when Penn State blew Syracuse out last year (hell, Akron beat us too so why are we shocked Penn State did too?). I am posting this video as a reminder of why we need to be better. I would love to play this in the Syracuse locker room and show the players why we have to be better along with the video SU athletics did recently to show that this program has to be better, no excuses.

I know many are picking Penn State to win huge but I can't help but think Syracuse has a chance to come out and make a statement with this game in that they learned from the Minnesota game. LETS GO ORANGE! And if you are on twitter, remember to use #beatpennstate as often as you can. Last week Paulus and Syracuse trended pretty high and let's hope we don't lose that enthusiasm this week.

Monday, September 7, 2009

I have said it a couple times now but I truly think Saturday's game gave Syracuse Orange football fans reason to have hope and I found a video to support this. What is not in the video though are a couple times I noticed WR Mike Williams open but QB Greg Paulus missed him as he was scrambling to the other side of the field. I think if this offensive line can give Paulus a couple more seconds in the pocket and he develops faith they can block for him, we will see even more plays like this.

This is also proof of why many were holding out hope when Mike Williams had his academic issues, he would get them sorted out and be back in an Orange uniform one day soon. He does need to stop dropping some of the passes he did but it was his first game back too, so he is forgiven, for now. Wiliams is a playmaker in that he is one of those receivers who can make a short yard catch and turn it into a first down. Alec Lemon and Donte Davis also looked good, which can benefit everyone by opening up the field, including the running game because now you need to keep less guys in the box to help prevent the pass.

Anyway, enjoy the video and the progress as I am encouraged to see, as of this writing, everyone who answered the poll was heartbroken at the loss but encouraged by the progress of this program.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Every new school year in Syracuse means there is also new Citrus TV videos to enjoy. They are the student station at Syracuse and though they have more then sports features, this is a sports blog and so I enjoy featuring the next ESPN Sportcasters/MLB Network analysts.

I also found some fun videos on syracuse.com courtesy of slguyder of the pre-game ceremonies for those of us who were not that in person to see more about the spirit and pride the fans had going into this game (and I hope left with, even though I am sure some heartbreak existed as well). I am told the team stopped at the end of the game to sing with the student section and this is another sign of the progress Orange fans should love seeing.

Let me say off by saying this, if you watch these videos and you are convinced still that this is the same old Syracuse losing program, please turn in your colors now because we do not want your sorry asses claiming you knew it all along when they start winning. Coach Doug Marrone and Greg Paulus,in these clips courtesy of syracuse.com, showed class and gave fans hope as well as logical post game comments. They owned up to their mistakes and I think they will learn from them.

Pride is growing again in the program as evidenced by the Carrier Dome crowd and the feeling of those on Twitter and other networks who were cheering their hearts out to support this team. I watched these videos and I am not posting them just because they are Orange related, I am posting them because this shows the kind of heart I want leading my Syracuse Orange. Coach Marrone looked genuinely dejected after this game and I know judging by the progress this team has made and that reaction, he will make corrections and we are in good hands. This team will get better in all aspects and I would like to thank the entire team and staff for inspiring pride in a group of people who lost hope. LETS GO ORANGE!!!!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Today, Syracuse football had it's moment to redeem years of frustration and regain a passionate fan base just looking for a reason to come back. The team played a good game despite the scoreboard at the end stating: Minnesota 23-Syracuse 20. At the end, I felt like I was just kicked in the groin from some girl in hard, pointed toed shoes. However I truly think that when it was over and we reflected, we learned Syracuse has a team you can root for.

I am not going to quote you stats because this game was about more then stats, it was about a change in Syracuse football. The Carrier Dome was rocking louder then I have heard in many years and the fans bought into Head Coach Doug Marrone. The defense was aggressive and I saw an intensity on that squad that I longed to see for years. The offense, though it struggled in the second half, showed signs of a pulse.

Yes, Greg Paulus made one major mistake in the end that I am sure ESPN Sportscenter will focus on (along with that snap over his head) but the majority of the game he made some good choices and hopefully learned from his mistakes. His scrambling will help as this offensive line looks like they may struggle yet again but a couple times it looked as though had he stayed in the pocket just a couple more seconds, the plays would have been there for him to make. He had some good game management skills and I think we will all be better for it.

Syracuse was down 14-3 quickly and they could have easily given up but instead they fought hard and got back in this game. Instead of making numerous turnovers, Syracuse actually benefited from many even though two big ones cost them points and the game. Their defense started slow and did give up some big plays but when it counted, they made plays as well. The offense blended in different plays and did their best to ride Delone Carter and though the receivers dropped some passes they have to catch, they also made some good catches as well, including Mike Williams.

So maybe you have noticed my wavering but the truth is, this game gave me reason to be as such. Syracuse lost a game they should have won but they also showed fans they have something they can root for and have faith in once again, even if the ending made us feel dejected again. I refuse to give up on this team no matter the outcome of the Penn State game as well. This team is improved and if you did not see the potential, then I feel sorry for you. This is something to build on and still makes me believe they can win 5-6 wins this year and be better next season.

The Dome was filled with proud Orange fans once again and we should all follow by example and support this team with all our heart and I think in the end, we will be rewarded for doing it as well. "Let's Go Orange" chants were louder then they have been in years and we need to continue that feeling into our everyday life now. Donovan McNabb mentioned during his ESPN press box moment that he will no longer be embarrassed by wearing Orange in an Eagles locker room and we should follow his example. If you are mad or disappointed, then that means you care and that is great, we should be dejected after such a loss. However we must lift our heads up Orange fans, Syracuse football is relevant again and we will return to the proud traditions of the past.

Now here are some links and a video of Greg Paulus first TD pass in a Syracuse football uniform.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Dear Syracuse Football Head Coach Doug Marrone (and others within the football program),

I am writing to you today as a lifelong Syracuse Orange fan. I am so excited about this weekend and a fresh new start to the program. My hope is that this is the start of returning to a proud tradition of Syracuse football meaning something and being relevant on the national scene.

I do not expect an overnight change into BCS championships but progress would be nice. I am drinking the Marrone-Ade and believe this is the right direction for the program, even if I was sold on Coach Turner Gill at first. I am however drinking it in moderation (well, I may chug it sometimes a bit more then others because I do think 6 wins and a bowl game are long shots but possible) and will continue to do so as long as this team shows signs that Syracuse football is relevant.

I have defended the program when many bashed the Greg Paulus news as media relations citing that we should instead wait until he steps on the field before we make our minds up. I think Delone Carter has the potential this season, if healthy, to continue a great tradition of Syracuse running backs. Despite numerous players leaving the program, I never once questioned your methods because my hope is that the product on the field will support your new direction. I think your aggressive recruiting, especially in New York State, is a great thing because I am tired of losing big name local players to other programs, laughing at SU on their way out.

I am writing this letter today to say thank you and good luck as we begin this journey together this Saturday when you play Minnesota at the Carrier Dome. My only hope is that we play competitively and if possible, give the home fans a win to start off this new era. I also hope if you are successful, the concessions stands at the Dome start selling Orange Marrone-Ade. Thank you again Coach Marrone and Let's Go Orange!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Let's start off with some contests. I think I will probably retire Contest Corner and just continue to include them in the Junk Drawer segments since sometimes it is hard to find sports related contests. By the way,the Wendy's contest requires you have a code first so keep that in mind if you plan to enter that one.

If you don't like this video, then your Orange fan card is rescinded and you must check yourself for a sense of humor. From Sean at nunesmagician.com, we bring you a sad tale of those who suffer and looking for Syracuse confidence.

I love this video, check out the police escort and bodyguards around Carmelo Anthony and Coach Boeheim essentially fending for himself(though I would have enjoyed it more had we actually heard from Melo and not just screaming kids, at least I think those were the kids).

Carmelo and Boeheim at Wilson Park

Syracuse high school product Dorsey Levens also at the park opening and you can actually hear him speak. He may not be Orange but you have to love a guy from the area who did good.